Postdoc - Dynamic mutual information networks: interactions among invasive and native species and the maintenance of ecosystem function
We seek a highly qualified and enthusiastic individual with a background in ecological networks in general or dynamic seed dispersal networks for a full-time postdoctoral position. The goal of the project is to use recent advances in information theory as well as empirical data to (1) quantify mutual information networks of vertebrate-dispersed plants and avian dispersers and (2) to use these networks to examine what influences the probability of dispersal of native and invasive plants in the novel ecosystem of Hawaii. The successful candidate will oversee data collection of plant and environmental variables in Oahu, participate in lab work on quantification of fruit traits and animal visual modeling, develop and conduct cutting-edge network analyses, and contribute to writing manuscripts. This position is part of a larger project (Hawaii VINE Project) focused on the role of invasive birds and small mammals in seed dispersal of native and invasive plants in Oahu, which includes 6 PIs, 1 crew leader, 4 graduate students, and a large field crew (https://www.facebook.com/hawaii.vine.project/). We seek a candidate with an outstanding academic background who is passionate about network analyses, species interactions, and aiding in conservation efforts. The ideal candidate will have at least intermediate practical knowledge with the R statistical programming language and have an interest in developing and distributing creative R-based solutions to problems in network ecology for use by field ecologists and other project stakeholders. The successful candidate will collaborate with scientists from the University of Wyoming, University of Illinois, University of New Hampshire, University of Hawaii, and Conservation Science Partners, and will help mentor interns and graduate students working on other elements of the project. The postdoc will work primarily under the supervision of Drs. Corey Tarwater, Patrick Kelley, and Jinelle Sperry, but will be expected to collaborate closely with other members of the team. The postdoc position is for at least two years, with the possibility of longer based on progress. Salary will be determined based on experience level and will include health benefits. Primary location of the candidate can be in Champaign-Urbana, IL or Laramie, WY. Position may involve infrequent travel to Oahu to oversee field work. Application: Please send a single PDF containing (1) a CV (maximum 2 pages), (2) a statement of research interests (maximum 2 pages), (3) one representative manuscript demonstrating knowledge of network analyses, and (4) contact information for three references. Application materials should be sent to Dr. Patrick Kelley at kel...@hawaiivineproject.org with the exact subject line “hawaii_network_postdoc_2016” (all lowercase and underscores necessary, as this will be used for email filtering). Review of applications will begin August 15th and continue until September 30thth. The start date of the position is flexible, but ideally the candidate would begin January 2017.
